Share Your Light With the World

I found a birthday card that suggests imagining a candle for every time you have made a difference in someone's life versus counting the candles which would light up your birthday cake.

Imagine the light from each individual who walks this earth.

I think of the big, small and everything in between when I think of those who have made a difference.

Brief encounters with someone on the street or a clerk in a store.

The tone of voice, willingness to listen and being treated with respect on the telephone, in person, a brief note on a business correspondence. It all matters.

I think of the literal strangers who are making a difference. People in the news, those who are advocating for others, quietly or out loud. Others who are making a difference simply by being kind, courteous and eliciting a smile in the middle of a tough day.

Think of the nurses, doctors, teachers, counsellors and all those who are in a helping profession. I think of the professionals who have turned a day around with their caring nature and treating "the whole person" instead of the reason, symptom or behaviour that has brought a person through their door.

Expand that thought to those you know through your job, common interests and the people one knows at "arm's length". I think of those who continue to show up day after day, giving what they have to give, being the best they can be in some of the most trying times and encouraging others by their presence, compassion and a fresh point of view.

Think of the light shining from each of those souls you don't even know. Then add friends and family who know your heart and soul. Those who listen to your heart during a wordless conversation.

Think of the time someone has touched your shoulder, offered a compassionate hug, looked at you with eyes or simply "showed up" and made you feel less alone.

I start thinking of those who have lit up my world and I feel the light of the sun shining down upon me.

Then I remember the light still shining from those who no longer walk this earth. It makes me think of the stars that shine down upon the world even during the day, when they aren't visible to the naked eye.

Think of the light from all of those candles. Then wonder about the light you have shone.

It makes the world feel a little lighter and brighter, doesn't it?

Appreciate and acknowledge the candles lit by those who have made a difference. Share your light with the world. Even (and especially) to those who aren't acting with kindness. For those are the ones who need your light the most ...